*Note to Professor: This is 4 pages double spaced*
In my critique, I decided to divide my feedback into positive and negative sections (the negative first and the positive second). In my negative commentary, I tried to provide potential remedies and solutions to the issues I felt needed to be addressed. In this ‘cons’ section, I decided to address some issues with overall cadence of the play, inconsistencies in Panny’s character, and the reveal of the word ‘UGLY’ on Panny’s stomach. In the positive commentary, I attempted to be as specific as possible as to what contributed to my positive opinion. In this ‘pros’ section, I cover Hae-yoon’s positioning throughout the performance, music and sound effects, Panny’s costume design, and the final scene.
The issue that seemed most apparent to me was the overall cadence/clarity of the play. I felt that the overlapping scene transitions and the vague props largely contributed to the hindered flow and coherence of the performance. Having read the script for BFE prior to seeing the performance, I knew what the props were supposed to be and the scene transitions were easy to follow. However, the friend that I invited to come along, who had not read the script was rather lost due to the use of blocks and overlapping scene transitions. The overlapping transitions could be easily fixed just by letting one set of characters exit the stage completely before starting the next scene. In regards to the nondescript props, I know that finances are always an issue when it comes to props but maybe having more definitive features with them (perhaps pillows on the couch/chairs in the living room area, a table cloth on the table, car sounds to accompany the abduction scene, or a wheel for the man to hold to indicate that they are in a car, etc.) Overall, I think these two minor adjustments would make the play seem less jumbled and generally more coherent for the audience.
In regards to cast, I think that amidst all the distinct personality characters, Panny’s character got watered down. This is understandable in that, while the other roles are seemingly easier to play (as they are closer to stereotypes), Panny’s character is more complex, more realistic and therefore, more difficult to play. However, with that being said, it is very crucial that the actress for Panny maintain constant character. Unfortunately, the actress for Panny seemed to fall in and out of character throughout the play. While there were some lines and moments during which I was convinced that she was Panny, there were also lapses where I just saw the actress reciting lines. Essentially, my point in this is that Panny, as the central character of the play, needs to be that much more consistent so as to account for the strong surrounding characters. In order to resolve this issue, it may help for the actress to spend some time to really hone in on Panny’s quirks, lines, and overall demeanor.
Overall, my largest issue was with the reveal of the word ‘UGLY’ on Panny’s stomach towards the end of the play. The abduction scene really works to build up anticipation and the emotions of the audience and the reveal of the word carved into her stomach is supposed to be the climax. Reading this scene in the script, I got chills and a strong surge of fear, disturbia, and revulsion. I was anxious to feel the full effect of the scene in the performance, but was ultimately let down. Maybe the disturbia comes from the ambiguity of the script, but I really felt that this fell short during the performance. I think there were several elements that contributed to this dulled effect: timing and realism. I think that the main issue is that it looked to be written in black marker. This disregard for reality took away from the overall effectuality of the play for me, partly because it is at a crucial point in the play and partly because it is the most disturbing, evocative scene. I think it would have helped to make it look more like a part of her skin or more realistic in some way. This may have all been remedied if the timing had been better. In the script, she shows the audience her stomach at the same time she says “see?”, however, in the performance I attended, she pulled up her shirt too early and it lessened the shock factor. I think that, while it may seem overly critical, this scene is arguably one of the most important to get just right.
From all that I’ve said it probably seems that I hated the play, which is entirely wrong. One of the details that I loved about the performance was that Hae-yoon was not directly on stage narrating her letters throughout the majority of the performance. In addition to making the play more dynamic and interesting, it really accentuated her distance (both physically and mentally) from the events of the play and Panny’s day-to-day life.
Another aspect of the performance that had me entranced was the piano music that accompanied several scenes. It drew the audience in and adeptly set the mood. The sparing use of music really emphasized key scenes and evoked emotion within the audience. Furthermore, (as more of a side note) the sound effects, especially in the initial back-and-forth phone calls between Panny and Hugo, were perfectly timed. I was very impressed.
Additionally, I both loved and hated Panny’s outfit. The image of an awkward, homely teenager was really solidified by the composition of her baggy jeans, tucked in shirt, clunky shoes and awkward pony-tail. Her outfit was cringe-y and awkward but it made her character that much more convincing. It subtly convinced the audience of her stature as an outcast.
Finally, I cannot go without saying how kick-ass the last scene was. It was evocative and surreal and intense. The performance totally brought this scene to life and magnified it ten-fold. Between the eerie ringing of the unanswered phone, the fade-to-black lighting- hindered only by the haunting glow of the static on the TV screen- and the resonating, resigned silence of the characters, the final scene of the performance created an uncanny atmosphere that I could not have expected- even having read the script prior to seeing the play.
Overall, this performance was wonderful. I enjoyed how each actor and actress chose to bring their characters into reality on the stage and congratulate them on a fantastic performance!
In my critique, I decided to divide my feedback into positive and negative sections (the negative first and the positive second). In my negative commentary, I tried to provide potential remedies and solutions to the issues I felt needed to be addressed. In this ‘cons’ section, I decided to address some issues with overall cadence of the play, inconsistencies in Panny’s character, and the reveal of the word ‘UGLY’ on Panny’s stomach. In the positive commentary, I attempted to be as specific as possible as to what contributed to my positive opinion. In this ‘pros’ section, I cover Hae-yoon’s positioning throughout the performance, music and sound effects, Panny’s costume design, and the final scene.
The issue that seemed most apparent to me was the overall cadence/clarity of the play. I felt that the overlapping scene transitions and the vague props largely contributed to the hindered flow and coherence of the performance. Having read the script for BFE prior to seeing the performance, I knew what the props were supposed to be and the scene transitions were easy to follow. However, the friend that I invited to come along, who had not read the script was rather lost due to the use of blocks and overlapping scene transitions. The overlapping transitions could be easily fixed just by letting one set of characters exit the stage completely before starting the next scene. In regards to the nondescript props, I know that finances are always an issue when it comes to props but maybe having more definitive features with them (perhaps pillows on the couch/chairs in the living room area, a table cloth on the table, car sounds to accompany the abduction scene, or a wheel for the man to hold to indicate that they are in a car, etc.) Overall, I think these two minor adjustments would make the play seem less jumbled and generally more coherent for the audience.
In regards to cast, I think that amidst all the distinct personality characters, Panny’s character got watered down. This is understandable in that, while the other roles are seemingly easier to play (as they are closer to stereotypes), Panny’s character is more complex, more realistic and therefore, more difficult to play. However, with that being said, it is very crucial that the actress for Panny maintain constant character. Unfortunately, the actress for Panny seemed to fall in and out of character throughout the play. While there were some lines and moments during which I was convinced that she was Panny, there were also lapses where I just saw the actress reciting lines. Essentially, my point in this is that Panny, as the central character of the play, needs to be that much more consistent so as to account for the strong surrounding characters. In order to resolve this issue, it may help for the actress to spend some time to really hone in on Panny’s quirks, lines, and overall demeanor.
Overall, my largest issue was with the reveal of the word ‘UGLY’ on Panny’s stomach towards the end of the play. The abduction scene really works to build up anticipation and the emotions of the audience and the reveal of the word carved into her stomach is supposed to be the climax. Reading this scene in the script, I got chills and a strong surge of fear, disturbia, and revulsion. I was anxious to feel the full effect of the scene in the performance, but was ultimately let down. Maybe the disturbia comes from the ambiguity of the script, but I really felt that this fell short during the performance. I think there were several elements that contributed to this dulled effect: timing and realism. I think that the main issue is that it looked to be written in black marker. This disregard for reality took away from the overall effectuality of the play for me, partly because it is at a crucial point in the play and partly because it is the most disturbing, evocative scene. I think it would have helped to make it look more like a part of her skin or more realistic in some way. This may have all been remedied if the timing had been better. In the script, she shows the audience her stomach at the same time she says “see?”, however, in the performance I attended, she pulled up her shirt too early and it lessened the shock factor. I think that, while it may seem overly critical, this scene is arguably one of the most important to get just right.
From all that I’ve said it probably seems that I hated the play, which is entirely wrong. One of the details that I loved about the performance was that Hae-yoon was not directly on stage narrating her letters throughout the majority of the performance. In addition to making the play more dynamic and interesting, it really accentuated her distance (both physically and mentally) from the events of the play and Panny’s day-to-day life.
Another aspect of the performance that had me entranced was the piano music that accompanied several scenes. It drew the audience in and adeptly set the mood. The sparing use of music really emphasized key scenes and evoked emotion within the audience. Furthermore, (as more of a side note) the sound effects, especially in the initial back-and-forth phone calls between Panny and Hugo, were perfectly timed. I was very impressed.
Additionally, I both loved and hated Panny’s outfit. The image of an awkward, homely teenager was really solidified by the composition of her baggy jeans, tucked in shirt, clunky shoes and awkward pony-tail. Her outfit was cringe-y and awkward but it made her character that much more convincing. It subtly convinced the audience of her stature as an outcast.
Finally, I cannot go without saying how kick-ass the last scene was. It was evocative and surreal and intense. The performance totally brought this scene to life and magnified it ten-fold. Between the eerie ringing of the unanswered phone, the fade-to-black lighting- hindered only by the haunting glow of the static on the TV screen- and the resonating, resigned silence of the characters, the final scene of the performance created an uncanny atmosphere that I could not have expected- even having read the script prior to seeing the play.
Overall, this performance was wonderful. I enjoyed how each actor and actress chose to bring their characters into reality on the stage and congratulate them on a fantastic performance!